A magnitude 7.7 earthquake strikes Panama causing damage and triggering aftershocks

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck southern Panama on Friday afternoon, damaging buildings and sending residents running into the streets, according to reports from the Daily Mail, UPI, Euronews, and the Guardian. The tremor hit near the town of Pitaloza Arriba in Herrera province at a depth of 10 kilometers. No deaths have been reported, but officials and news outlets confirm that several people suffered minor injuries. [1][2][4][5][8]

The earthquake caused structural destruction across several areas. Euronews reported that part of a cathedral collapsed in Penonomé, including one of its spires, while a nearby hotel sustained extensive damage and residents in Herrera province reported cracks in their homes. ABC News Australia added that the quake cut power, destroyed structures, and led to the temporary suspension of operations at Tocumen International Airport before it later reopened. [2][4][5][7]

During a live television broadcast, sports presenters dropped their microphones and fled as walls and light fixtures shook, the Daily Mail reported. Tremors were felt as far as Colombia, according to Euronews. The main earthquake triggered significant seismic activity, including a 6.6 magnitude aftershock reported by Euronews, along with dozens of additional tremors noted by the Daily Mail and ABC News Australia. [1][4][7][10]

The quake also generated widespread coastal alerts. The Daily Mail and Al Jazeera reported that tsunami warnings were issued for countries along the eastern Pacific, including Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Chile. The United States Tsunami Warning System later lifted the alerts, according to the Daily Mail. [1][6][11]